Purchasing personal care products for the entire family can be a challenge. You’ll want to avoid products that contain harmful chemicals, like phthalates. Many products contain ingredients that irritate the skin or disrupt hormone levels. Some family members might prefer hygiene products that are gentle on sensitive skin. Other family members might care more about price or brand name.
Avoiding allergens is another consideration when buying personal care products. Many people can experience allergic reactions from seemingly harmless ingredients, fragrances, color dyes and preservatives. These reactions often cause skin redness, itchiness or other unpleasant symptoms.
With the potential for these dangerous symptoms and every family member’s preferences in mind, choosing the right brand may feel impossible. However, it’s doable as long as you do your research.
Hand soap and body wash
Family-safe soaps should clean and nourish the skin. However, many soaps are filled with common, yet harmful, ingredients like triclosan.
Instead, look for hand soaps and body wash brands with natural ingredients like aloe vera and lavender. These ingredients can hydrate skin and prevent dryness. In addition, ingredients like vitamin E and green tea extract can fortify your skin. They protect against damage from free radicals which are unpaired molecules that steal electrons from other molecules like proteins and DNA.
You can also trust dermatologist-tested hand soaps and body washes which are often approved for safe use on the skin. These brands will typically include this in the branding and advertising, but if you’re especially concerned about allergic reactions, search for those that are hypoallergenic, as they don’t include some of the most common ingredients people are allergic to such as fragrances.
Shampoo
Shampoo should moisturize and cleanse hair without drying or irritating hair follicles. Look for shampoo brands that have natural ingredients like chamomile, honey or olive.
Family members with sensitive skin should consider sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are a group of ingredients that help remove dirt and oils from hair and provide a lathering effect. Despite their benefits, they can be harsh on the skin and create irritation with repeated use. Many sulfate-free shampoo brands contain natural ingredients that still clean hair and nourish the scalp.
Name-brand shampoos are also notorious for including parabens, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben. Although further research is required to fully conclude the effect parabens have on the body, it has been correlated with an increase in breast cancer among its users. It’s also restricted by the EU in Europe.
Lotion and skin care
Not all lotion and skincare brands are created equal. Some include natural ingredients like shea butter, green tea extract, honey, and coconut oil. These ingredients help protect against damage, dryness and premature aging.
However, others are filled with synthetic fragrances. They can cause skin irritation and trigger allergic reactions. They may also have ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) which can increase your risk of sunburn. They do so by exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells, leaving newly-exposed cells more vulnerable to sun damage.
Many dermatologists recommend sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you decide to use products with AHAs and BHAs. The higher the SPF, the more sunscreen minimizes the effect of UV rays on your skin.
Sunscreen
As mentioned, the right sunscreen protects against sun damage without compromising skin safety. Broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect against UVA and UVB rays, however, many brands also include additives that can cause irritable symptoms. If you have sensitive skin or experience frequent breakouts, prioritize hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic sunscreen brands. For any planned swimming or exercising, find a water-resistant sunscreen that will stay on your skin despite any moisture.
In most cases, both mineral and chemical-based sunscreens are safe. Still, some differences may impact your decision. Mineral sunscreens depend on zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and other physical blockers to reflect UV rays. By contrast, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat using oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Mineral sunscreens are sometimes considered the safer option for sensitive skin. However, chemical-based sunscreen brands are often more lightweight and easier to apply evenly. Regardless of the sunscreen type, be sure to reapply at least every two hours — and more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Also, rotate your sunscreen bottles out regularly as well, as they lose their effectiveness over time. Before applying the sunscreen, always check the expiration date.
Makeup
Makeup is the broadest category on this list, as it can include everything from foundation to lipstick — however, all products that touch your skin can potentially cause an allergic reaction. To avoid this, apply a small amount of makeup to a safe area before purchasing. Wait 24-48 hours to make sure the new product doesn’t cause a negative reaction.
The safest products are those that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Many of these products are created specifically for sensitive skin. If you have particularly dry skin, look for makeup products that also hydrate the skin or are oil-based.
Toothbrushes
Factors like bristle type, toothbrush size, and shape are all important when selecting a toothbrush brand for family members. Choose toothbrushes with soft bristles that gently clean teeth and can help fight gingivitis, especially for children. The gentle bristles massage gums, which cleans out bacteria that become gum disease.
You can also look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal when shopping for oral care products. The ADA recognizes products that have been tested and approved for effective use on teeth and gums.
Toothpaste
Different types of people might have different toothpaste needs. For example, very young children may swallow their toothpaste or only brush for a few seconds at a time. It’s important to choose a toothpaste for them that is safe to swallow. These kinds of toothpaste are specifically labeled for children and have lower fluoride levels.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may need a toothpaste design for sensitivity. Look for ingredients like potassium nitrate and strontium chloride that help provide relief from any discomfort during oral care.
Other forms of toothpaste can satisfy further oral care concerns.
- Whitening toothpaste: Toothpaste with whitening agents can treat stains and give your teeth a clean, white sheen.
- Gum care toothpaste: This toothpaste will help address gum irritation or disease.
- Natural toothpaste: This toothpaste is free from harmful and artificial ingredients and instead contains ingredients like charcoal, baking soda or essential oils.
Ultimately, your choice of toothpaste will vary based on your oral needs and previous medical history.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash should follow brushing and flossing for extra tooth and gum protection. When choosing a mouthwash, look for options that contain fluoride. Fluoride can help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities with even a single rinse. Choosing mouthwash in a flavor you enjoy can make it more pleasant to use.
If you’re considering a particular brand of mouthwash, first check its alcohol content. In some cases, alcohol can dry and irritate the mouth. Alcohol-free mouthwash brands help preserve your saliva balance without harming any fillings.
Children under the age of six should generally not use mouthwash. They may swallow it and be exposed to dangerous levels of fluoride. Once a child can spit out mouthwash without swallowing, it is generally safe for their use. Parents should supervise children whenever they use mouthwash.
Dental floss
Dental floss may vary from waxed and unwaxed floss to flavored varieties and floss picks. Although none of these options are inherently dangerous, you may choose some over others depending on you and your family’s specific needs.
Thickness is another factor to consider when choosing dental floss. Choose a thinner floss if you only have tight spaces between each tooth. Thicker floss can help family members with wider spaces between teeth.
No matter the type of dental floss you choose, it’s important to use the right flossing technique. Hold the floss in place between your thumb and index finger, preferably on your dominant hand. Move the floss back and forth between each tooth to loosen any food particles that might be stuck. Make sure to clean both sides of one tooth before moving to the next. Floss at least once per day as part of your oral hygiene routine.
How to learn more
Everyone should invest in learning about personal care products in their home — each product and brand has a high potential to affect your health or someone else in your home. If you have concerns, don’t wait before seeing a doctor.
Parents can schedule time with a pediatrician to discuss personal care products that are safe for children to use. Schedule a visit with a dentist to discuss toothbrushes, toothpaste or other details of your oral health routine.